Hi Everyone,
As I was going out of the east gate this morning, I saw something that disturbed me. It was a homeless person with a sign asking for money. The reason it bothered me so much was because he was on Century Village property right where the cars are stopped for the red light. He was staring directly into each driver’s eyes, trying to make eye contact. I have never seen this before on the CV property.
I am not a heartless person and do give to charities and give in many different situations. I cannot pass any Veteran with a poppy without opening my wallet to give what I can. I also give to Salvation Army.
But the homeless situation in our area is really tough. Several times now I have been approached when I am at a gas station pumping gas and I can tell you, that when you are out of your car pumping gas, it can really make you nervous. I am now very careful which gas stations I go to because of this. I have always felt safe at the Hess in front of Publix on Jog and Okeechobee. But now it has happened to me at that gas station twice. I only will get gas during the daylight hours, but that doesn’t seem to help.
Has this happened to any of you?
Chris
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Homeless People
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
14 comments:
Chris:
I get my gas at Hess on the
corner of Haverhill and
Okeechobee and I have never
seen a homeless person there and I also only buy
gas in the daytime and I
feel safe there.
The poor guy could not work his normal Military/Okeechobee site as it was taken over by younger marines.
There are a lot of old Vietnam War vets among the homeless population and it seem that there are a lot more younger people out panhandling also.
Hi Nutmegger, believe it or not, that has happened to me at the Hess on Haverhill and Okeechobee too. It has also happened to me at the Hess on Military near the airport and the Amoco (I think it's an Amoco) at the northwest corner of Community and Military.
Mike, anytime I think it is a vet, I want to give them every dollar I have, especially a Vietnam veteran. But what scares me is that some of these people may be crazy and you can't be sure what they will do, be it - grab your arm or grab your wallet.
It's a tough call.
I give them a buck, there but for the grace of God go I
also, THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD!
But, it can be intimidating for some people and if it is, those people should not have to feel like that - so .... ???
Suggestion, Chris: Join "Sam's Club", it is about a dime a gallon cheaper and you get back the club fee in a few months. There is a guard there, always people around, and they always have gas, even in a crisis.
Sam's is right up, on 45th off Military.
Always remember, you do NOT have to give anything and you do NOT have to be approached - DRIVE AWAY and if a street cop sees you, after an explanation he(she) will understand.
Thanks Capt. Good advice. I actually have a Sam's card but haven't been there in a while. I will try your suggestion.
Chris
I like Mike, also I give them a buck. I feel sorry and wish I could do more.
There IS one thing I ALWAYS do, when I give a buck: Ask if they are a vet (most of the time I can usually tell) and recommend the VA HOSPITAL and the PROGRAMS. They can take a bus on Military that goes right to the hospital.
I am wondering if Chris is some kind of pied piper of homeless. I have only been actually approached and asked once in over 7 years, and I have bumper stickers that would indicate I am soft hearted, or soft in the head. I think actually she is getting gas etc. in their preferred locations, so she needs to change her locations and times. When I was upnorth there were always homeless guys at Starbucks, outside the bakery, and hot air vent restaurant, and Kinkos etc.
I like Capt John’s method for the corner guys, a dollar and a message.
You bloggers are a kindly lot, I have seen so much on TV about homeless poseurs I am much more cynical. I used to see one of the taller of the local regular ‘homeless’ in CV walking the west drive, I just assumed he lived here and was supplementing his income. He often had an older woman with him, she really loved the chicken and potato salad from the Grand Bazaar. I could ask the tpk guy about Chris’ problem we both eat at the Tpk Subway, really.
wow you should NEVER leave CV and hide never open your door (ass) what is a couple of dollars going to do to you break the bank nobody is making you give money or say YES just say NO and go on with your DAY
Anon, Don’t tell me! you lost your job as an empathetic psychiatrist.
Dear Anonymous,(2 comments up)
Get a life! You are the type of person that hates the world and makes nasty little comments to people that you don’t even know. Of course, this is always done under the name “anonymous”. How brave you are!
I will borrow Sue Cohen’s wonderful quote, “Look in the mirror”. What do you see Anonymous? I will tell you this, I can look in the mirror any day of the week and like what I see, inside and outside. Can you say that? I doubt it.
I leave you to fester, fester, fester.
Signed,
ChrisJ. and proud of it
Chris,That a girl, don't take any crap from a coward.
Post a Comment